Car Crash Gas Leak Shuts Down Major Pasadena Intersection Near Chalkfest Site This Morning

Published : Saturday, June 17, 2017 | 5:21 AM

Hours before hundreds of chalk artists and thousands of their fans are expected to descend on Paseo Colorado, police said a “serious” gas leak caused by a car crash shut down a nearby intersection and caused the evacuation of adjacent buildings.

Update: Saturday, June 17, 2017 | 8:30 a.m. Police say all streets closed earlier today in connection with this story have been reopened

An out-of-control car driven by an allegedly intoxicated driver smashed through a 3″ medium pressure gas pipeline located on the northeast corner of East Green Street and South Marengo Avenue at about 12:10 a.m. Saturday morning, Pasadena Police Sgt. Anthony Burgess and Pasadena Fire Dept. spokesperson Lisa Derderian reported.

Image of crash: RMG News.

Authorities executed a voluntary evacuation of apartments on the west side of 275 East Green (Paseo). Those wishing to remain outside their apartments were taken to the courtyard area of Paseo Colorado.

Burgess said the driver was arrested by arriving officers.

Lt. William Grisafe identified the arrested suspect as Jimmy Becera, 34, of San Gabriel. The suspect was not injured.

Burgess said that East Green Street remain closed from Arroyo Parkway, and South Marengo remains closed between Colorado Boulevard on the north and Cordova Street on the south as Southern California Gas continues to secure and repair the pipes and leaking gas.

Gas company personnel determined the gas line serves The Rose performance venue, Cali Burger, and the Equinox gym, all located about 40 feet from the damaged line, authorities said.

Burgess estimates the street closures may remain in effect until about 8 a.m.